🏔️🌊 Mountains and coast from Casa Angiz: two worlds in one trip
There are rural houses that force you to choose: either inland nature or the beach. At Casa Angiz, you don't have to choose. From Sunbilla, on one side you have the forests and peaks of Baztán-Bidasoa, and on the other, in less than an hour, the Cantabrian Sea and the entire Basque-French coast. In the morning, a walk among centuries-old beeches; in the afternoon, a sunset with your feet in the sand — and without moving the car more than necessary.
It is precisely this double face of the area that most surprises those who stay with us for the first time. They arrive thinking of a mountain getaway and discover that, on the same trip, they can cross the border, step into two countries, and swim in the Cantabrian Sea without giving up anything they came looking for. In this article we calmly explain, with concrete details, everything you have within reach from Casa Angiz: mountains, forests, viewpoints, coastal towns on both sides of the border, and even a cycling route that connects the valley with the sea.
📍 Quick information
| 📌 Location | Casa Angiz, Sunbilla (Baztán-Bidasoa Valley, Navarre) |
| 🏔️ Nearest mountain | Mendaur and Alkaxuri, accessible on foot from the Sunbilla area itself |
| 🌳 Protected nature | Bertiz Natural Park (10 min) and Artikutza forest (40 min) |
| 🌊 Nearest coast | Hondarribia, about 30-35 min by car |
| 🇫🇷 French coast | From Hendaye to Biarritz, between 35 and 50 min by car |
| 🚴 By bike | To Hendaye via the Bidasoa Greenway (~40 km) |
| 👨👩👧 Ideal for | Anyone who doesn't want to give up either the mountains or the sea on the same getaway |
| 🎯 Best time | All year round — the mountains in any season, the coast especially from spring to autumn |
| 🥾 Difficulty | From family walks (Bertiz) to demanding mountain routes (Alkaxuri, Bianditz) |
🏔️ The mountains just a step away: forests, peaks and viewpoints
Sunbilla is literally surrounded by mountains. You don't need to take the car to start walking: the access routes to Mendaur and Alkaxuri start practically from the village, and in just over half an hour you can already be in high mountain areas with views that reach the coast on clear days. For many of our guests, this proximity is the main reason for choosing Casa Angiz: there is no need to plan a full-day excursion just to get to the starting point of the route, because the starting point is, in practice, the front door.
Mendaur, the reference summit
With its beech forests and its summit as a natural viewpoint over the valley, Mendaur is the route we most recommend to start getting to know the area — we cover it in detail in our article about Mendaur Mountain. Its slopes are covered by a dense, shady beech forest that turns coppery in autumn, and in the hottest months offers welcome shade for much of the ascent. The summit, with its hermitage and fountain, is a classic resting point before descending the other side.
🌲 The Mendaur forest, at the gates of Sunbilla
💧 The summit fountain, a must-stop after the climb
Alkaxuri, for those looking for something longer
At 965 meters above sea level, Alkaxuri connects with Irubelakaskoa on a circular route of about 12 km and 600 m of elevation gain — easy for the most part, with some moderately difficult sections. A full-day plan for anyone who wants to extend the walk through the area's forests. The route alternates forest tracks with narrower paths among beeches and oaks, and crosses small streams at several points that in spring run strongly after the thaw.
🥾 One of the trails on Alkaxuri, among beech forests
💦 The stream that accompanies much of the path
Suspiro, Sunbilla's lesser-known corner
Suspiro is one of those places known only by those who walk through the village — a waypoint on several local routes (such as the one linking Sunbilla, Suspiro, Paretazar and Aizkolegi) that is worth discovering calmly, away from the more touristy marked trails. It is a discreet viewpoint, without signs or crowds, from which much of the valley can be seen — the kind of place we usually recommend to those who already know Mendaur and are looking for something different, quieter and less frequented.
Bertiz, an Atlantic forest 10 minutes away
Just 10 minutes by car away is the Señorío de Bertiz Natural Park, one of the best-preserved forests in Navarre and perfect for a peaceful walk, even with children. Its more than 2,000 hectares of Atlantic forest, with oaks, beeches and centuries-old chestnut trees, also include a historic botanical garden next to the palace, marked trails of different lengths and a recreational area by the Bidasoa River. It is probably the most accessible nature option in the whole area: no prior experience or special footwear is needed to enjoy its shorter routes.
Artikutza, Bianditz and the Peñas de Aia
A little farther away, about 40 minutes, the Artikutza forest preserves some of the most spectacular landscapes in the area. Once a water supply reserve for the city of San Sebastián, today it is one of the best-preserved forests in the Basque Country, with oak groves and beech woods that have barely been altered for decades. From the summit of Bianditz or from the Peñas de Aia (Aiako Harria), the views open out over the valley and, on clear days, toward the coast itself — a panorama that more than makes up for the effort of the climb.
🏔️ Views from Bianditz, one of the natural viewpoints in the Artikutza area
🌊 The coast, just a short drive away (or by bike)
What makes Casa Angiz special is not only having the mountains nearby, but having the sea just as accessible. In less than an hour, you can go from being surrounded by beech forests to having your feet in the sand, on either side of the border. And the best part is that you do not have to choose just one coastal destination: within a short radius, some of the best-known towns and beaches in the entire Bay of Biscay are concentrated.
Spanish coast: from Hondarribia to San Sebastián
Hondarribia, with its walled old town and fishing harbor lined with colorful houses, is the closest gateway to the coast, about 30-35 minutes by car. Strolling through its Marina district, with its painted wooden facades and flower-filled balconies, is one of those plans that pairs perfectly with a meal of fresh fish overlooking the harbor. From there, the whole Txingudi Bay opens toward the rest of the Gipuzkoan coast, until you reach San Sebastián (about 45 minutes from Casa Angiz), with La Concha beach as a must-stop — especially at sunset, when the bay turns orange and Mount Igueldo stands out against the sky.
🌅 Sunset at La Concha beach, San Sebastián
French coast: from Hendaye to Biarritz
Crossing the border, the coast continues through Hendaye, with its long fine-sand beach, ideal for those looking for more space and fewer crowds than on urban beaches. A little farther on, Saint-Jean-de-Luz preserves one of the most beautiful old towns on the entire French Basque coast, with its fishing harbor, cobbled streets, and its famous church where Louis XIV was married. The route continues to Biarritz — about 32 km between Hendaye and Biarritz, a stretch of coast that can be driven in just over half an hour and brings together some of the most charming beaches and towns in the whole French Basque Country, with its cliffs, Grand Plage, and unmistakable atmosphere among surfers and period architecture.
To Hendaye, by bicycle
For those who prefer to leave the car parked, there is the option of reaching Hendaye by bike via the Bidasoa Greenway, a route of about 40 km along the old railway line, flat and traffic-free — a different way to connect the valley with the sea, suitable both for experienced cyclists and for families looking for a route without major climbs. The itinerary closely follows the course of the Bidasoa River, passing through villages, historic bridges, and stretches of forest, until it flows directly into the river mouth, already in Hendaye itself.
🗓️ Plan your getaway: two itinerary examples
To give you an idea of how to combine both worlds without stress, here are two real suggestions we usually recommend to our guests depending on how many days they have.
One day: mountains in the morning, coast in the afternoon
Early morning, a short route through Bertiz or the lower section of Mendaur (2-3 hours). Lunch in Sunbilla or nearby. In the afternoon, drive to Hondarribia or San Sebastián to stroll around, swim if the season allows, and stay for sunset before returning to Casa Angiz.
A full weekend
Saturday dedicated to the mountains: climb to Mendaur or Alkaxuri, with a stop at the Suspiro viewpoint if you have time. Sunday dedicated to the coast: morning in Hondarribia, lunch by the sea, and afternoon crossing into France to visit Hendaye and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, or to do the Greenway section by bike if you prefer to move around differently.
🍽️ Where to eat, in the mountains and on the coast
Both in the valley and on the coast, there are options to round out the plan with a good meal. In Sunbilla and nearby villages you will find traditional Navarrese cuisine, with hearty stews and seasonal produce. In Hondarribia, the Marina district brings together several cider houses and restaurants specializing in fresh fish and seafood of the day. And if you cross into France, Hendaye and Saint-Jean-de-Luz are a good excuse to try French Basque gastronomy: from Basque cake to grilled fish in one of the harbor restaurants.
🌱 Sustainable tourism in the valley
Both the mountains and the coast around Casa Angiz are environments worth caring for. Whenever possible, we recommend using the Bidasoa Greenway to reach the coast by bike instead of by car, respecting the marked trails in Bertiz and Artikutza without opening new paths, and taking back any waste generated during the route. These are small gestures that help keep these spaces as well preserved as we have known them.
👣 Our experience
It is one of the questions guests ask us most often: "should we stay in the valley or go down to the beach?" — and the answer is almost always: both. We have lost count of the times we have started the day climbing Mendaur or walking through Bertiz and ended it watching the sunset in San Sebastián, without feeling that the day was too short. What we most like to tell first-time visitors is precisely this: that you do not have to choose between one kind of getaway or another, because the valley is almost geographically designed to combine them.
🏡 Your perfect base: stay at Casa Angiz
- 🏔️ At the foot of the mountains: Mendaur, Alkaxuri and Suspiro practically from the front door.
- 🌳 10 minutes from Bertiz and 40 from Artikutza, Bianditz and the Peñas de Aia.
- 🌊 Less than an hour from the sea, in Spain and in France.
- 🚴 Starting point of the Bidasoa Greenway to reach the coast by bike.
- 🛏️ Comfortable rooms to rest after a full day of mountains and beach.
- 🍳 Homemade breakfast to set off with energy, whatever the plan for the day.
- 👨👩👧👦 Just as good for a couple’s getaway as for a family plan.
- 🌱 Committed to sustainable and local tourism throughout the valley.
❓ Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Casa Angiz to the nearest beach?
About 30-35 minutes to Hondarribia, and about 45 minutes to San Sebastián.
Can you do mountains and beach on the same day?
Yes, it is one of the plans we recommend most: a short route in the morning (Bertiz, for example) and the afternoon on the coast.
Do you need to be very experienced in the mountains for the nearby routes?
Not necessarily. Bertiz is suitable for the whole family, Mendaur has sections accessible to walkers with some experience, and Alkaxuri is the most demanding option if you are looking for a longer route.
Can you reach the French coast without a car?
Yes, some people get to Hendaye by bicycle following the Bidasoa Greenway, a flat route of about 40 km.
How long does it take from Casa Angiz to Biarritz?
About 50 minutes by car, passing through Hendaye and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
What is the best time of year to combine mountains and coast?
The mountains can be enjoyed all year round, but to combine them with the beach, the best time is from spring to autumn.
Do you need a passport to cross into France?
No, since Spain and France are in the Schengen area, a valid ID card is enough to cross the border.
